Southern California -- this just in

L.A. County D.A. opens inquiry into Montebello councilman

The Los Angeles County district attorney's office has
launched an inquiry into the campaign finances of Montebello Councilman Jack
Hadjinian.

Prosecutors said they’re looking at possible
wrongdoing related to campaign contributions, but warned there was no
evidence yet that a crime had been committed.

Los Cerritos Community Newspaper was the first to
report on the inquiry.

In a telephone interview Tuesday, Hadjinian, a
longtime resident of Montebello, said he doesn’t think he violated any laws,
but was “willing to cooperate with the investigation.”

David Demerjian, head deputy of the district attorney’s public integrity
division, acknowledged that the inquiry began with information discovered during an ongoing criminal
probe into allegations that L.A. County Assessor John Noguez and his staff had given
tax cuts to political supporters.

Noguez has denied any wrongdoing.

Prosecutors have identified Ramin Salari, a well-connected businessman
and political fundraiser, as one of the targets in that probe. Salari has denied any wrongdoing.

"If the guy gives to the Red Cross is the D.A. going to investigate them next?" Salari's attorney, Mark Werksman, said.

Hadjinian said he received $250 from Noguez and $5,000 from Salari when
he was running for the Montebello City Council in 2011. The L.A. Weekly first reported on Salari's contribution.

At the time, Hadjinian had been serving on a three-member Assessment
Appeals Board panel, sometimes sitting in on appeal hearings for Salari. He said he resigned in February.

Durkee, once a go-to campaign treasurer for Democratic candidates in
California, is facing more than 11 years in state prison for stealing more than
$7 million in political funds from at least 50 clients, including U.S. Sen.
Dianne Feinstein.

“If someone tried to write a story that said it helped my campaign, it
didn’t because I didn’t use it,” Hadjinian said. “Once I get the money, I’m
willing to give it back or give it to charity.”